Dutch regulator appoints gambling addiction advisor

The KSA has appointed prominent healthcare academic Dr Gert-Jan Meerker.

The Netherlands.- The Dutch gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has appointed a well-known academic as its new senior research advisor on gambling addiction and compulsive behaviours. 

Dr Gert-Jan Meerkerk has led academic studies into addiction, treatment and recovery at Rotterdam-based research unit IVO for the past 25 years, covering research into everything from drugs and tobacco to gambling, gaming, porn and social media addiction.

The clinical psychologist joins the KSA’s research and policy development team as the regulator gets ready for the launch of the Dutch igaming licensing period from March 1, having delayed the start from January 1 to give more time to finalise the creation of the new centralised player self-exclusion programme, CRUKS.

Meerkerk said:  “Next year, the KOA ACT will come into force, legalising and regulating online gambling. That means there will be more supply and a lot of marketing. I hope and expect to contribute to the knowledge at the KSA about effective means for addiction prevention. 

“That will be a subject that will receive a lot of attention. Gambling addiction is not a huge problem in the Netherlands at the moment, it must remain that way. Incidentally, I am in favour of the law, because reclamation does not work. It is easier to protect consumers in a legal, regulated market.”

The KSA has created a new licensing department to deal with the influx of applications expected when the licensing window opens in March. 

KSA Chairman René Jansen told Focus Gaming News in an interview earlier in the year that operators hoping to launch in the regulated market next year will face strict suitability checks.